NR Forestry Dispatcher - NR Tech

Working Title: NR Forestry Dispatcher

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 92250
• Location: Grand Rapids
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/06/2026
• Closing Date: 03/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly; $44,599 - $61,971 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: MN Interagency Fire Center
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) NR Technician in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays. Occasional overnight travel required.

This position exists to support and facilitate statewide and national movement of fire suppression personnel, equipment and aircraft for incidents in/out of the State of Minnesota by performing duties of a Minnesota Interagency Coordination Center dispatcher, directing dispatchers in the process of mobilizing resources, coordination with other dispatch units and organizations on the mobilization, reassignment and demobilization of resources. This position also collaborates with Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) intelligence and public information staff in gathering and distributing wildland fire and hazard intelligence for all MNICS agencies.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. Encourage a diverse workplace, treat others with respect, and contribute to work groups. Support the overall mission of the DNR.
• General Dispatch duties including functions common to Logistics (EDSD), Operations (IADP) and Aircraft (ACDP) dispatching.
• The Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP) is responsible for mobilizing preplanned response resources to wildfires and other incidents. The IADP reports to the Dispatch Center Manager and works in the Dispatch functional area.
• The Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP) is responsible for mobilizing aviation resources to wildfires and other incidents. The ACDP reports to the Dispatch Center Manager, floor supervisor, or desk lead, and works in the Dispatch functional area.
• The Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) works in an expanded dispatch organization to relieve the host agency’s dispatch unit by focusing exclusively on large or complex incidents. The EDSD reports to the Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP) or another assigned supervisor. The EDSD works in the Dispatch functional area.
• Attend, participate and contribute to aviation workshops, meetings, and fire training sessions. Complete required agency training and safety training.
• Special projects, reports, and activities may be assigned to support the coordination center and MNICS organization as needed.
• Assist in all management aspects of the operation including the development and maintenance of interagency mobilization plans, dispatch procedures and daily operating guidelines.
• Assist in the implementation, administration, integration and oversight of information flow across various units of the Dispatch Center.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, orientation and training on dispatch operations.
• Act as duty officer for MNCC and MNDNR
• Assist MNCC intelligence and information in gathering and distribution of information
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• 1 year of experience conducting dispatch functions that include wildland fire suppression activities, processing resource orders, coordination with other dispatch organizations, mobilizing and determining status of available resources OR 1 year of natural resource, emergency manager or wildfire experience
• Must have successfully completed ICS-100, Introduction to the Incident Command System and ICS 200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
• Knowledge of wildland fire dispatch procedures and guidelines used in dispatch of personnel, aircraft, equipment and supplies for wildland fire management activities and other incidents sufficient to update guidelines, propose changes to guidelines, issue internal instructions to other dispatchers and resolve dispatch problems.
• Knowledge of maps, legal descriptions and GPS sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
• Knowledge of computer systems and software programs sufficient to support daily fire response operations and access and distribute fire and weather data (word, spreadsheet, database).
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and external communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
• Leadwork skills sufficient to provide direction in administrative procedures and/or office functions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
• Qualified as Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC)
• Qualified as an Initial Atack Dispatcher (IADP)
• Qualified as an Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD)
• Qualified as an Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP)
• Successful completion of Expanded Dispatch Recorder D-110
• Successful completion of NWCG wildland fire suppression training for Support Dispatcher D-310
  
  

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification
  
  

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Taylor Schenk at taylor.schenk@state.mn.us or 218-360-3853.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.